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Rachel
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Plainfield, Illinois
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How do you get a policy job in DC?
I want to major in Political Science, and I have been thinking about going to law school. However, I don't necessarily want to do law but instead I want to do policy. I don't really want to do state politics but instead I want to do national politics. So, who should I try to internship with or types of programs I should join? What jobs should I look into? Any advice?
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Angella chepchirchir
SEO, MARKETING, ANALYST , psychologist
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Nairobi, Nairobi County, Kenya
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Angella’s Answer
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How do you get a policy job in DC?
I want to major in Political Science, and I have been thinking about going to law school. However, I don't necessarily want to do law but instead I want to do policy. I don't really want
Getting a policy job in Washington, D.C., can be an exciting and rewarding career path. Here are some steps and considerations to help you pursue a policy job at the national level:
Education and Skill Development:
Major in Political Science: This is a suitable choice as it provides a strong foundation in understanding political systems, institutions, and policy analysis.
Consider Law School: Although you mentioned you don't want to practice law, a law degree can be beneficial in the policy field. It equips you with valuable analytical and research skills, which are highly relevant to policy work.
Gain Practical Experience:
Internships: Seek internships with organizations in Washington, D.C., that focus on policy, such as think tanks, research institutions, non-profits, government agencies, or political organizations. These opportunities can provide hands-on experience, networking opportunities, and exposure to policy development and implementation.
Policy Fellowships: Explore policy-oriented fellowship programs that offer immersive experiences in D.C., such as the Presidential Management Fellows Program, Congressional Fellowships, or those provided by organizations like the Brookings Institution or the Heritage Foundation.
Research Assistantships: Consider working as a research assistant at a university or think tank, assisting scholars and policy experts in conducting research and analysis.
Networking and Professional Development:
Attend Policy Events: Participate in conferences, seminars, and workshops related to policy areas you are interested in. These events provide opportunities to network with professionals, policymakers, and researchers in the field.
Join Professional Associations: Become a member of organizations like the American Political Science Association (APSA) or the National Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management (APPAM). These associations offer valuable resources, networking events, and job boards.
Reach out to Alumni: Connect with alumni from your college or university who work in D.C. They can provide insights, advice, and potentially help with introductions.
Job Search:
Government Agencies: Explore policy-focused roles within federal agencies like the Department of State, Department of Health and Human Services, Environmental Protection Agency, or Congressional committees and subcommittees.
Think Tanks and Research Institutions: Look into organizations such as the Brookings Institution, Rand Corporation, Urban Institute, or Center for American Progress that focus on policy research and development.
Non-profit Organizations: Consider policy roles within non-profit organizations that work on national issues, such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Human Rights Campaign, or Planned Parenthood.
Political Organizations: Join political campaigns, party organizations, or advocacy groups that engage in national policy initiatives.
Remember, the policy field is diverse, and it's important to identify specific issue areas that interest you, such as healthcare, education, foreign policy, or environmental issues. Specializing in a particular policy area can help you build expertise and stand out in the job market. Stay informed about current policy debates, policy journals, and publications relevant to your interests.
Building a strong network, gaining relevant experience, and continuously honing your policy analysis and research skills will greatly enhance your chances of securing a policy job in Washington, D.C. Good luck!
How do you get a policy job in DC?
I want to major in Political Science, and I have been thinking about going to law school. However, I don't necessarily want to do law but instead I want to do policy. I don't really want
Getting a policy job in Washington, D.C., can be an exciting and rewarding career path. Here are some steps and considerations to help you pursue a policy job at the national level:
Education and Skill Development:
Major in Political Science: This is a suitable choice as it provides a strong foundation in understanding political systems, institutions, and policy analysis.
Consider Law School: Although you mentioned you don't want to practice law, a law degree can be beneficial in the policy field. It equips you with valuable analytical and research skills, which are highly relevant to policy work.
Gain Practical Experience:
Internships: Seek internships with organizations in Washington, D.C., that focus on policy, such as think tanks, research institutions, non-profits, government agencies, or political organizations. These opportunities can provide hands-on experience, networking opportunities, and exposure to policy development and implementation.
Policy Fellowships: Explore policy-oriented fellowship programs that offer immersive experiences in D.C., such as the Presidential Management Fellows Program, Congressional Fellowships, or those provided by organizations like the Brookings Institution or the Heritage Foundation.
Research Assistantships: Consider working as a research assistant at a university or think tank, assisting scholars and policy experts in conducting research and analysis.
Networking and Professional Development:
Attend Policy Events: Participate in conferences, seminars, and workshops related to policy areas you are interested in. These events provide opportunities to network with professionals, policymakers, and researchers in the field.
Join Professional Associations: Become a member of organizations like the American Political Science Association (APSA) or the National Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management (APPAM). These associations offer valuable resources, networking events, and job boards.
Reach out to Alumni: Connect with alumni from your college or university who work in D.C. They can provide insights, advice, and potentially help with introductions.
Job Search:
Government Agencies: Explore policy-focused roles within federal agencies like the Department of State, Department of Health and Human Services, Environmental Protection Agency, or Congressional committees and subcommittees.
Think Tanks and Research Institutions: Look into organizations such as the Brookings Institution, Rand Corporation, Urban Institute, or Center for American Progress that focus on policy research and development.
Non-profit Organizations: Consider policy roles within non-profit organizations that work on national issues, such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Human Rights Campaign, or Planned Parenthood.
Political Organizations: Join political campaigns, party organizations, or advocacy groups that engage in national policy initiatives.
Remember, the policy field is diverse, and it's important to identify specific issue areas that interest you, such as healthcare, education, foreign policy, or environmental issues. Specializing in a particular policy area can help you build expertise and stand out in the job market. Stay informed about current policy debates, policy journals, and publications relevant to your interests.
Building a strong network, gaining relevant experience, and continuously honing your policy analysis and research skills will greatly enhance your chances of securing a policy job in Washington, D.C. Good luck!
Jonny Booth
United States Marine
32
Answers
Davenport, Iowa
Updated
Jonny’s Answer
Fantastic query!
There's a plethora of colleges sprinkled around the DC region that provide internships with various government agencies. It's a smart move to consider attending a college close to where you envision yourself working in the future. Liberty University, for instance, is renowned for its numerous DC internships, so it might be worth exploring. Alternatively, you might find it beneficial to kick-start your career locally by serving as a Paige for one of your local representatives. This could be an excellent stepping stone, leading you towards your dream job in this field.
There's a plethora of colleges sprinkled around the DC region that provide internships with various government agencies. It's a smart move to consider attending a college close to where you envision yourself working in the future. Liberty University, for instance, is renowned for its numerous DC internships, so it might be worth exploring. Alternatively, you might find it beneficial to kick-start your career locally by serving as a Paige for one of your local representatives. This could be an excellent stepping stone, leading you towards your dream job in this field.